Engaging Employers in Work Integrated Learning: Current State and Future Priorities

This report funded by the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency examines the benefits, barriers and enablers to employers providing work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for university students.

Phillips KPA surveyed 4500 Australian businesses to investigate: the extent that employers participate in WIL; industries or professions in which WIL is common; the benefits, barriers and enablers to employers undertaking WIL; and the extent to which employers value WIL experiences.

The term WIL is not well-recognised. Internships are the most popular form of WIL and are more popular with smaller businesses

The most apparent benefits for organisations participating in WIL, are to give back to the industry or profession and the ability to recruit graduates in the future

Larger businesses and businesses that were in operation for a longer period of time are more likely to participate in WIL. 20 years or 15 employees is the estimated ‘foundation point’ from where WIL participation becomes more likely

Most businesses rely on universities or students initiating WIL, but once initially engaged they generally continue offering it

Administrative and Support Services, Construction, Financial and Insurance Services, and Professional and Technical Services appear to have room for growth in WIL placements numbers

Smaller businesses that didn’t participate in WIL were largely willing to participate, but resources and time are major barriers. Some also had concerns for the quality of the experience they could offer